Castello di Monte San Giovanni Campano

Castello di Monte San Giovanni Campano is a medieval fortress whose remains include two stone towers dating from the 11th century. The structure was built with massive walls approximately 3.5 meters thick, with one tower rectangular and the other unusually pentagonal in form.

The fortress was built in the 11th century and served as a regional stronghold for centuries. In 1495, it was conquered in just eight hours by French forces under Charles VIII, marking a turning point in warfare when portable cannon fire successfully breached fortifications for the first time.

The fortress is closely tied to Thomas Aquinas, the influential philosopher and theologian, who was held here in the 13th century when his family opposed his religious choices. This connection has given the castle an enduring place in the region's memory.

The castle sits in the hills of the Lazio region, roughly 90 kilometers southeast of Rome. Access is by way of paved paths and narrow trails, so sturdy footwear and time to explore are advisable.

Within the walls ran double-width patrol walks and communication passages that allowed defenders to move quickly between positions. This system of internal routes enabled the fortress to house and coordinate more than 1,000 defenders during sieges.